SAG VS3 User manual

1
User manual
”Tracker”
VS3
Version 2.6
Applicable to transmitters from version 2.02 onward
SAGAB
Patented

2
Transmitter buttons and functions .....................................................................................4
Receiver buttons and functions..........................................................................................4
LED indicator....................................................................................................................4
On/Off button A..............................................................................................................4
RCD/RCOB test button B.............................................................................................4
Sensor..............................................................................................................................4
Symbol eld......................................................................................................................4
On/Off button A..............................................................................................................4
Menu button C................................................................................................................4
User conguration............................................................................................................4
Introductory description of the Tracker’s functions and operating method ..................5
Areas of use.....................................................................................................................5
The following functions are available ...............................................................................5
Outlet conguration....................................................................................................5
Phase connections ....................................................................................................5
Fuse connections.......................................................................................................5
RCD tests ..................................................................................................................5
Automatic switch-off .........................................................................................................5
Manual switch-off .............................................................................................................5
Connection checks...............................................................................................................5
Range...............................................................................................................................5
Safety regulations ................................................................................................................6
CE conformity declaration................................................................................................6
Outlet conguration ............................................................................................................7
Important information .......................................................................................................8
When neutral is missing.............................................................................................8
When neutral and ground are missing ......................................................................8
Phase connections ..............................................................................................................9
Why check phase connections?.......................................................................................9
What does the display show? ..........................................................................................9
Carry out the following .....................................................................................................9
© SAGAB Electronic AB, 2007
www.sagabelectronic.se
Contents
SAGAB Electronic AB retains the right to amend and modify the user manual
at any time and without prior notice. We have been as thorough as possible but
take no responsibility for any errors or oversights.
We are grateful for any suggestions for changes or additions that can improve
the use.

3
Innehåll
Outlet adapter .....................................................................................................................10
Fuse connections...............................................................................................................11
Functions as follows....................................................................................................... 11
What does the display show? ....................................................................................... 11
Peak value marking........................................................................................................ 11
HOLD mode ..................................................................................................................11
Carry out the following ................................................................................................... 11
Audible indication...........................................................................................................11
Incorrect readings can occur..........................................................................................12
Incorrect readings can occur in the following cases:......................................................13
If the cables in the fuse box are too close to the front cover ...................................13
If there are large capacitive loads on the other fuses..............................................13
The current does not run where the measurement using the receiver
is being taken...........................................................................................................13
Strong eld from wrong phase.................................................................................13
RCD tests ...........................................................................................................................14
Carry out the following ...................................................................................................14
How is the measured value presented?.........................................................................15
Typical trip times for RCDs.............................................................................................15
User conguration..............................................................................................................16
Settings menu ................................................................................................................16
Contrast..........................................................................................................................16
ID LOCK.........................................................................................................................16
Audible signal.................................................................................................................16
Background lighting........................................................................................................16
Exit .................................................................................................................................16
Special functions................................................................................................................17
Program version.............................................................................................................17
Battery status .................................................................................................................17
Technical specication ......................................................................................................18

4
Transmitter buttons and functions
LED indicator
The LED ashes when the transmitter is on.
On/Off button A
Button to switch the transmitter on and off. Active transmitter is
indicated by a ashing light in the LED. When there is voltage to
one of the probes the instrument cannot be switched off.
If the button is pressed while there is voltage to one of the probes,
the transmitter transmits information to the receiver about the
conguration of the outlet (how the outlet is connected).
The probes must be voltage free to switch off the transmitter.
The button is held in for 0.5 seconds.
RCD/RCOB test button B
When this button is pressed a 30 mA fault current is generated
between phase and ground terminal. The duration of the fault
current is a maximum of 300 ms.
Receiver buttons and functions
Sensors
The sensors for current and voltage are placed on top of the
instrument
Symbol eld
Symbol for active menu
Battery status of transmitter and receiver
Signal status from transmitter
Signal strength from transmitter
On/Off button A
Also used with the Fuse connection menu to select high or
low sensitivity. (Read more on page 11)
Hold the button down for 2 seconds to switch off the receiver.
Menu button C
This button is used to select the menu that is required. Hold the
button down for 0.5 seconds to change the menu. Active menu
is displayed with accompanying symbol in the symbol eld.
User conguration
Settings, such as contrast, background lighting etc. are selected
using a special button press. (Read more on page 16)

5
Areas of use
The VS3 is a patented tool for electri-
cians in their daily installation work. It is
especially designed for fault tracing and
fuse detection in single phase 230V ap-
plications during maintenance and repair.
VS3 consists of two battery powered sec-
tions: a transmitter and a receiver. The
transmitter and the receiver communicate
via the radio frequency 869 MHz.
The following functions are available
Outlet conguration
• Shows how a single phase outlet is con-
nected
• Measures voltage and frequency in the
electrical outlet
Phase connections
• To identify phase connections for protec-
tive apparatus and consumers in relation-
ship to the electrical outlet to which the
transmitter is connected
Fuse connections
• To identify protective apparatus (fuses,
mini circuit breakers, RCD and RCBOs)
in relation to a given outlet
RCD tests
• To check a 30 mA RCD function and trip
time.
Introductory description of the Tracker’s functions and operating method
Automatic switch-off
The transmitter and the receiver switch off
automatically.
The receiver switches itself off after approxi-
mately 1 hour if an electric eld has not been
applied to the top end of the receiver.
The receiver switches off automatically after
approximately 1 hour.
An audible signal in the receiver sounds
one minute before the transmitter switches
off. One press on the transmitter’s Abutton
means that the transmitter is active for a
further hour.
Manual switch-off
The transmitter and the receiver can also be
switched off manually.
The transmitter must be unpowered to be
switched off.
Connection checks
There are two symbols on the receiver
display which show the quality of the radio
connection.
The symbol shows that the receiver is
receiving data from the transmitter and the
symbol shows the strength of the incom-
ing signal from the transmitter.
If the symbol is dis-
played in the upper eld
it means that there is an-
other transmitter nearby
that the receiver is receiving data from.
Always check that the other transmitter is
not interfering with your own readings.
Range
The transmitter and receiver communicate
with each other via radio on 869 MHz and
have good contact with each other up to a
distance of 1.2 km line of sight.
If there are many, thick walls or other obsta-
cles, the range is limited.

6
For safe use of the VS3 we recommend that
you read through the manual and under-
stand how the instrument functions. Read
the special paragraphs covering the instru-
ment’s limits carefully.
The following symbols are used in the user
manual
This text contains important informa-
tion, for example about the instru-
ment’s limits
This text contains information and
tips which can be helpful to clarify
the function.
The transmitter and the receiver are
synchronised to each other. If a new
transmitter is to be used with the
receiver the receiver must be set to
communicate with it. Read more on
relevant page of the user manual.
Never use the instrument if it seems
damaged
Never open the instrument other than
to change batteries. There are no
parts inside that can be replaced by
anyone other than authorised person-
nel.
If the instrument will not be used
for 30 days the batteries must be re-
moved to prevent leakage damage
Test the transmitter by switching it on,
connecting it to an outlet with known
voltage and reading off the voltage
and frequency of the receiver.
L

L
L
L
L
L
The transmitter in the wall outlet and
the handheld receiver communicate
by radio signal. The signal can be
interrupted by other strong transmit-
ters or weakened by long range or
screening materials, walls and roofs.
Check that there is sufcient signal
strength using the symbol on the re-
ceiver display.
The instrument may only be cleaned
using a rag with a mild soap solution.
The instrument must be dry before
use.
CE conformity declaration
We certify that this product corresponds to
the applicable norms and standards accord-
ing to R&TTE, EMC and LVD
N
SAGAB Electronic AB
L
L
Safety regulations

7
4. Press the transmitter’s
Abutton and hold it in
5. The display shows the
conguration and volt-
age and frequency of
the outlet.
6. The voltage and fre-
quency are also dis-
played when the trans-
mitter’s Abutton has
been released.
Incorrectly con-
nected outlets
that could cause
personal injury
are indicated by
a warning triangle
and audible sig-
nal.
The transmitter
cannot determine
whether the outlet
into which it has
been inserted is
earthed or une-
arthed. However, a
warning triangle is
always presented
if an earth connec-
tion is missing. If
the outlet is unearthed, this warning
has no signicance. Readings can
be taken, but RCD testing cannot be
performed.
The outlet’s conguration is only dis-
played on the receiver display while
the Abutton on the transmitter is
pressed in and held for 5 seconds
afterwards.


L
VS3 can display how an outlet is connected
quickly and easily. Both earthed and un-
earthed outlets can be checked.
1. Start the transmitter and receiver by
pressing the Abutton on the relevant
unit.
2. Check that the sym-
bol is shown on
the receiver’s display
and that the symbol
shows at least one bar, preferably
several.
The symbol must also be displayed.
If the symbol is not displayed press the C
button repeatedly until is displayed.
3. Insert the transmit-
ter in the outlet to be
checked.
The display on the
receiver shows a sym-
bolic image of the outlet
and also information
about the voltage and
frequency there.
Note! The trans-
mitter must have
a voltage on either
of its two connec-
tion pins to enable
display of ”U” and
”f”. If the fuse is
blown, the MCB
is switched off or
there is any other
reason for the
absence of voltage to one of the
pins, there will be no voltage and
frequency information displayed

Outlet conguration

8
Outlet conguration
Important information
Certain faults cannot be identied
Under certain circumstances a number of
faulty outlets can be indicated in a way which
is not correct.
When neutral is missing
When neutral is not connected
(but ground is connected) the
non-connected probe can be in-
dicated as voltage conducting.
When neutral and ground
are missing
When neither neutral nor
ground are connected all probes
can be indicated as voltage con-
ducting. e voltage is indicated
as zero volts because the reference
to ground is missing.
VS3 cannot measure the voltage if
only the live conductor is connected
and neither the neutral nor the earth
are connected. There may be danger-
ous voltage in the outlet without it
being indicated.
If the transmitter’s probes are volt-
age free (including the earth probe)
the transmitter switches off when the
Abutton is pressed. The transmitter
must be unpowered to be switched
off.
The display shifts automatically to
the Outlet menu when the A-button
is pressed on the transmitter. (if the
transmitter is in a powered outlet)
L
L


9
Why check phase connections?
In the event of uneven load a unit may need
to be checked to determine what loads are
on which phase.
Connect the transmitter to a wall outlet and
measure the main fuse that is overloaded.
Note the phase position. Then measure the
outlets and installations where large current
consumption can occur. Note the phase
position of these. Decide if any outlet or ma-
chine can be reconnected to obtain a more
even load.
Note that the transmitter must remain in the
same outlet, or in another outlet within the
same phase, for the phase indication to be
accurate. It is the phase that acts as refer-
ence phase.
What does the display show?
In “phase connection” mode, VS3 shows a
bar. It shows the strength of the signal recei-
ved relative to the entire sensitivity range of
the instrument. In “AUTO” mode, the scale
changes automatically from 0-25%, via 0-
50%, to 0-100%. It is possible to lock the
scale for each range.
Beside the bar is a range marker. Phase
connection is shown within this range. It is
also necessary for the transmitter to be swit-
ched on, connected to the mains and within
radio range.
Phase connections
Carry out the following
1. Start the transmitter and receiver by
pressing the Abutton on the relevant
unit.
2. Check that the symbol
is shown on the
receiver’s display and
that the symbol
shows at least one bar, preferably sev-
eral.
The symbol must also be displayed.
If the symbol is not displayed press the
Cbutton one or more times until is
displayed.
3. Connect the transmitter in the powered
outlet to be checked.
The eld strength bar
normally employs auto-
matic range selection.
The text AUTO is dis-
played below the bar.
Pressing the Abutton
repeatedly switches the
sensitivity between
(AUTO) → (0-25) →
(0-50) → (0-100).
If the transmitter
is not in an outlet
which is supplied
with voltage it can-
not give a phase
reference. This is
shown by crossed
out arrows on the
receiver display.
L
Sensitivity range
Bar
Range marker for
phase connection
Measurement
range
Phase connection

10
4. Move the top end of the receiver over the
fuses or wall outlets to be checked, or
hold it to the connection cables for those
consumers that are to be checked.
at the cable or contact that
the receiver tip measures belongs
to the same phase as the outlet
that the transmitter is connected
to is displayed here.
In this case the measurement
point belongs to the subsequent
phase, referred to the phase at
the outlet where the transmitter
is connected.
In this case the measurement
point belongs to the previous
phase, referred to the phase at
the outlet where the transmitter
is connected.
Measurements cannot be taken
on the outside of screened cables,
earth cables with jackets or cables
in steel or lead pipes. Certain rubber
cables can display screened char-
acteristics

Phase connections
5. Switch off the transmitter and receiverSwitch off the transmitter and receiver
by pressing the Abutton on the relevant
unit for a moment. The transmitter must
be unpowered to be switched off.

11
Functions as follows
The transmitter generates a current of ap-
proximately 7 KHz frequency. This current
is superimposed on the mains voltage and
passes through the connection cable to the
fuse and onwards to the transformer station.
This means that it will be on rails and con-
nected cables that are between the fuse and
the transformer. An electric current causes
a magnetic eld and it is this eld that the
receiver senses.
What does the display show?
In “fuse connection” mode, VS3 shows dou-
ble bars. One, designated Main Bar, shows
the strength of the signal received relative
to the entire sensitivity range of the instru-
ment. The other, designated Subsidiary Bar,
shows a magnication of the Main Bar, al-
lowing greater precision.
Peak value marking
The peak value of the signal received is
shown briey as a peak marker in both
bars.
HOLD mode
It is possible to lock a peak value and use it
as a reference marking. This is very useful
for nding the correct fuse connection.
In order to lock a peak value, press Awhile
the peak marker is being displayed. A new
line shows the HOLD value in both bars and
the text HOLD is shown below the Subsidiary
Bar.
Press Aonce more to restore the Subsidiary
Bar to being a dynamic segment of the Main
Bar.
Fuse connections
If the fuse that the probe senses
belongs to another phase this is
displayed by a bent arrow
Main Bar
Subsidiary
Bar
HOLD marker
Peak marker
Phase indication
AUTO/HOLD
Subsidiary Bar range

12
Carry out the following
1. Start the transmitter and receiver by
pressing the Abutton on the relevant
unit.
2. Check that the symbol is shown on
the receiver’s display
and that the symbol
shows at least one bar,
preferably several.
The symbol must also be displayed.
If the symbol is not displayed press the
Cbutton one or more times until is
displayed.
3. Insert the transmitter in the outlet to be
checked.
4. Move the top end of the
receiver over, under or
above the fuses, mini-
ature circuit breakers or
RCBOs.
The main bar is higher
when there is a strong
eld from the transmit-
ter. The subsidiary bar
shows a magnication
of the top section of the
bar.
When the highest signal
strength is indicated it
means that the safety ap-
paratus feeding the outlet
that the transmitter is con-
nected to is displayed.
The “HOLD” function can
make it easier to carry out
testing between fuses that
are far apart.
Search for the highest va-
lue and press the Abut-
ton. HOLD is shown in the
display and the Subsidiary
Bar is locked at the current
value. It is then very simp-
le to see whether another
fuse is showing a higher or
lower value than the one
just read.
When the correct fuse is
disconnected the displays
shows U=0V as conrma-
tion that the outlet where
the transmitter is con-
nected is unpowered.
Audible indication
Parallel with the bar being higher in stronger
elds, this is also indicated by sound pulses,
which increase in frequency. The audible
indication can be switched off in the User
conguration (see page 16)
5. Switch off the transmitter and receiver by
pressing the Abutton on the relevant unit
for a moment.
Fuse connections

13
Strong eld from wrong phase
In order for VS3 to register something in the
bars, the electrical eld must be the same
phase as the transmitter.
If surrounding cables or objects are emitting
a stronger eld than the cable or object be-
ing tested, VS3 will be suppressed and not
show the magnetic eld generated by the
transmitter, even if it is strong.
Pressing and holding the Abutton and si-
multaneously pressing
the C button disenga-
ges the phase control,
and the signal from the
transmitter is displayed
regardless of phase con-
nection. (the function is
as if the transmitter were
outside the radio range from the receiver)
Pressing again re-engages the lter.
If no level bar is displayed or a very
low level is shown, when examining
a distribution board, the relevant
outlet can be connected to another
distribution board or sub-distribution
board.
Radio connection between trans-
mitter and receiver must always be
established during ongoing meas-
urement so that the two phases
where the searched for fuse is
not located can be suppressed.
Measurement can occur without ra-
dio contact, but the risk of incorrect
indication is considerably larger.
Check that the symbol is dis-
played and that the symbol is
marked with at least one bar.


Important!
Incorrect readings can occur
”Tracker” VS3 is very selective. It automati-
cally removes the signal found on phases
other than the one that the outlet is con-
nected to.
”Tracker” VS3 only selects the phase that
the transmitter is then connected to. One
arrow on the display displays the phase con-
nection at the point measured.
Incorrect readings can occur in the fol-
lowing cases:
If the cables in the fuse box are too close to
the front cover
One core leaks a much bigger electromag-
netic eld than for example a ceramic fuse.
A ceramic fuse is optimally screened with
the core in the middle and the return core
in the sleeve. One core, carrying a 7 KHz
current, which has ended up near the fuse
box sleeve can give the receiver misleading
information.
If there are large capacitive loads on the other
fuses
Capacitive loads contain capacitors. They
serve as small batteries where the compara-
tively high frequency currents can retrieve
their energy. A fuse for such equipment can
therefore display similar eld strength to the
fuse where the transmitter is connected.
The current does not run where the measure-
ment with the receiver is being taken.
This primarily refers to fuses with ceramic
covers. Therefore, one must move the top
end of the receiver in different directions to
obtain an optimal signal.
Fuse connections
the text “NO REF”
is displayed when
the phase control is
disengaged

14
6. The RCD/RCOB trips
and the time is shown in
milliseconds (ms) in the
receiver’s display
If the trip time is greater
than 300 ms a warning
symbol is also displayed.
7. Switch off the transmitter and receiver by
pressing the Abutton on the relevant unit
for a moment.
The outlet must be approved. Carry
out a check with ”Outlet congura-
tion”
When the Bbutton is pressed on
the transmitter the receiver auto-
matically goes to the RCOB menu.


“Tracker” VS3 can check the trip time on a 30
mA RCD or RCOB. The check uses 30 mA
constant fault current and the RCD must trip
within a maximum of 300 ms.
”Tracker” VS3 can check both RCD/RCBOs
of the AC type (for pure sinusoidal fault cur-
rents) and A type (for pure sinusoidal and
pulsating fault currents with super imposed
DC).
The check is carried out according to stand-
ards EN 61008 and EN 61009 and test re-
sults can be documented.
Carry out the following
1. Start the transmitter and receiver by
pressing the Abutton on the relevant
unit.
2. Check that the symbol is shown on
the receiver’s display
and that the symbol
shows at least one
bar, preferably several.
The symbol must also be displayed.
If the symbol is not displayed press the
Cbutton one or more times until is
displayed.
3. “Ready for test” is displayed
4. Connect the transmitter
to the electrical outlet
that to be checked
and is supplied by the
RCOB.
5. Press the transmitter’s
Bbutton for 1 second
RCD tests

15
How is the measured value presented?
VS3 generates a constant fault current of approximately 30 mA over both periods. The
value is calculated for a voltage of 230 V and is not corrected for deviating voltage.
Trip times are only calculated on positive parts of the period, which is why the time
cannot be exactly given if the trip time occurs during the negative part of the period.
The following image explains:
Typical trip times for RCDs
Type of RCD
Trip times for RCDs
Typical times Longest permitted time
according to EN 61008
and EN 61009
* Usual RCD type AC or A 12 - 70 ms 300 ms
** Time delayed (G-type), type A 70 - 190 ms 300 ms
* Without short time delay and impulse current resistant up to 250A
** With short time delay and impulse current resistant up to 3000 A
L
RCD tests
RCD/RCOB triggered RCD/RCOB trips (15 ms) VS3 shows 10 ms
RCD/RCOB triggered RCD/RCOB trips (28 ms) VS3 shows 28 ms

16
Settings menu
To access the settings
menu hold the Cbutton
pressed while the receiver
is started using the Abut-
ton,
The arrow is moved down
using the Abutton and the
value is changed using the
Cbutton
Contrast
This changes the contrast of the display.
ID LOCK
This is the ID that the corresponding trans-
mitter has to have to be tied to the receiver.
If the transmitter is switched on the transmit-
ter ID will be presented at ID Tx. These two
values must be the same for communication
to be established between the units.
If a new transmitter is connected to the re-
ceiver carry out the following:
a. Switch the transmitter on. The display
shows the sender’s ID at ”ID Tx”
b. Press the C button” (if the display has no
background lighting and ”auto” selected
at ”background lighting” two presses may
be needed)
c. ”ID LOCK” must display the transmitter’s
ID. Completed!
Audible signal
This setting applies if the sound function is
to be on or off. The audible indication for
a dangerously connected outlet cannot be
switched off.
Background lighting
The following can be selected:
Always OFF
Always ON
Auto
Auto mode means that the lighting is switched
on when new information can be read in the
display. After a few seconds the display goes
out to save the batteries.
In this mode, if the background lighting is
out, it can be lit manually be pressing one
of the buttons. This means that if a function
or menu requires changing the button may
have to be pressed twice. The rst lights the
background lighting and the second carries
out the command.
Exit
The exit door indicates that one is leaving
the settings menu.
User conguration
Denitions
Tx = Transmitter
Rx = Receiver

17
Special functions
Program version
If the receiver’s Abutton is held depressed
at start both the transmitter and the receiver
program versions are shown.
e versions that are displayed
in the picture are only an ex-
ample.
Battery status
The symbol for battery status is shown at the
top of the receiver display. If the batteries
are in good condition no symbol is shown.
If the batteries in the transmitter start to be
discharged a symbol for this is shown
If the batteries in the receiver start to be dis-
charged a similar symbol is shown.
Transmitter batteries running out
Transmitter batteries must be changed
Receiver batteries running out
Receiver batteries must be changed

18
TRANSMITTER
Power supply.......................... 2 x AA batteries (LR6)
Operating range...................... 200 - 240 VAC
Frequency range .................... 40 - 65 Hz
Accuracy ................................ +- 3%
Radio frequency ..................... 869,525 MHz
Operating temperature ........... -10°C - +50°C
Altitude.................................... < 2000 m
RH .......................................... 80% @ 30°C 50% @ 40°C
Size......................................... 180 mm x 60 mm x 45 mm
Weight .................................... 200 g
Material................................... PC-ABS
Safety classication................ IEC61010-1 CAT II 300V
Approval ................................. CE, EMC, R&TTE
Automatic switch-off ............... After approx. 1 hr of inactivity
RECEIVER
Power supply.......................... 2 x AA batteries (LR6)
Display.................................... 128 x 64 pixels
Background lighting................ Off, On or Auto
Indication E-eld.................... Bar graph and sound variation
Max distance to transmitter .... 1.2 km line of sight
Operating temperature ........... -10°C - +50°C
Altitude.................................... < 2000 m
RH .......................................... 80% @ 30°C 50% @ 40°C
Size......................................... 195 mm x 60 mm x 37 mm
Weight .................................... 210 g
Material................................... PC-ABS
Safety classication................ IEC61010-1 CAT III 600V
Approval ................................. CE, EMC, R&TTE
Automatic switch-off .............. After approx. 1 hr of inactivity
CE certication carried out by NEMKO
VS3 is patented.
Technical specication